A Family Business
Creating a sense of family has always been an important part of the Windermere tradition. That’s because the company itself was born from family, starting with founder, John Jacobi. From the early days of Windermere, John encouraged his children to get involved with the family business by answering phones, sweeping sidewalks, and volunteering in the community. His efforts paid off because 40 years later, the company he built is now in the hands of a second generation who continue to honor the company’s humble beginnings while keeping a firm eye on the future.
Executive Team
Geoff P. Wood
Chief Executive Officer
Geoff P. Wood has served as chief executive officer of Windermere Services Company since 2003. Geoff is responsible for the core infrastructure functions of the company. Under his leadership, Windermere has moved into new markets in California, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Utah, and Hawaii. Geoff joined Windermere Real Estate Company in 1993 to manage the five Jacobi family-owned real estate offices in Seattle. Prior to joining Windermere, he worked in construction and business management for Timberland Homes.
Jill Jacobi Wood
President, Windermere Services Company and Client Services
Jill Jacobi Wood is a second-generation leader at Windermere Real Estate, responsible for the development, operations, and service activities of independently-owned Windermere offices throughout Western Washington. In addition, she assists over 110 local owners in financial and business planning services and is responsible for new Windermere affiliate acquisitions in the Western Washington region. Jill has been with Windermere Real Estate for over 25 years and has participated in all aspects of the real estate business.
John “OB” Jacobi
President, Windermere Real Estate Company
OB Jacobi brings a second generation of leadership to Windermere Real Estate, helping to facilitate Windermere’s growth into the largest regional real estate company in the Western U.S. In addition to guiding business strategies for Windermere, Jacobi oversees operations for six family-owned Windermere offices with over 300 agents in the Seattle area. His interest in technology and productivity led Jacobi to pioneer an innovative team-based real estate management system that has helped earn a 40+% market share.
Paul Drayna
General Counsel
Paul Drayna is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. His practice has always focused on representing real estate agents, brokers, and their businesses in both litigation and transactional matters. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, and has been general counsel to Windermere Services Company since 2003.
Noelle Bortfeld
Chief Marketing Officer
Noelle Bortfeld is responsible for all consumer marketing activities on behalf of Windermere. She oversees branding, advertising, interactive and direct marketing, social media, public relations, and event marketing. Her experience includes brand marketing for a Fortune 500 company as well as global agency experience. She also leverages a leadership background in Web application development and customer relationship management (CRM).
Senior Leadership
Michael Fanning
Sr. Vice President, Client Services
Michael Fanning is responsible for assisting with the growth of the Windermere brand. His responsibilities include expanding the network of Windermere offices and consulting with owners to develop recruitment and longevity programs while incorporating a strong understanding of the technical side of the tools Windermere provides to affiliates. Michael has been instrumental in the growth and development of many of the technology tools offered to Windermere agents today.
Scott Mitchelson
Sr. Vice President, Business Development
As Senior Vice President of Business Development, Scott Mitchelson is responsible for Windermere's overall franchise growth strategy. Scott has almost 20 years of franchising experience, both from a franchisee and a franchisor perspective. During this time, his focus has been on everything from internal and external growth strategies to future real estate models. Scott has a BA in History from Washington State University and has earned his IFA Certified Franchise Executive certification from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Chip Painter
Sr. Vice President, Client Services
Chip Painter assists Western Washington affiliates in developing their market areas and maximizing their use of Windermere’s tools and resources. In concert with local Washington affiliates, Chip also works as the liaison to communicate with and support Windermere Services Companies in our other nine states. Recently Chip was appointed general manager of Windermere Relocation and Referral Services, and is responsible for developing both corporate relocation and broker-to-broker referrals for Windermere agents.
Don Riley
Sr. Vice President, Client Services
Don Riley is responsible for the research and development of new products and services that help owners improve the daily operations of Windermere offices. Don oversees the operation of Windermere's affiliated service companies, including Windermere Mortgage Services, Commonwealth Land and Title and Windermere’s escrow partnership. Don brings a wide range of experience in selling, managing and financing real estate. He also teaches classes in developing real estate business. Don was a previous Windermere owner and the general manager of Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc. for seven years.
Shelley Rossi
Vice President, Communications
Shelley Rossi is responsible for all internal and external communications for Windermere Real Estate. Shelley helps direct company messaging through public relations, social media, advertising, and marketing communications. She also oversees the flow of information to the company’s network of 300 offices. Shelley has a deep understanding of the residential real estate industry and how PR can be used to leverage company branding and messaging.
Lansing Teal
Sr. Vice President, Operations
Lansing Teal oversees the integration of business operations between Windermere Services and Windermere’s affiliates. He is responsible for coordinating the franchising of all new offices, and serves as liaison between the independent office owners and Windermere’s corporate technology, legal and marketing departments. Prior to joining Windermere in 2001, Lansing spent seven years directing worldwide field operations for an expedition travel company and eight years as an executive director in the nonprofit sector.
Michael Teather
Sr. Vice President, Client Services
Mike Teather works with Windermere owners throughout the network. His responsibilities include working with owners to solve business challenges, expanding the network of Windermere offices, and consulting with owners to develop recruitment and longevity programs. He also helps keep owners current on the latest tools and offerings available from Windermere Services. Mike has worked as an attorney and has managed both manufacturing and real estate businesses.
Regional Leadership
Scott Wetzel
President, Windermere Services, Mountain West
As president of Windermere’s Mountain West Services, Scott Wetzel is responsible for coordinating all service activities in Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah, including assisting owners in financial matters and new Windermere affiliate acquisitions. Prior to joining Windermere in 2004, Scott was co-founder and CEO of Contineo Technologies, Inc., a professional services company. He also co-founded several other high-tech companies, including Innovative Technology Solutions, a corporate sales and service organization, and BestpricePC.com, an e-commerce web portal that specialized in computer hardware and software sales to the consumer market.
Bob Bennion and Bob Deville
Co-presidents, Windermere Services, Southern California
Bob Bennion and Bob Deville share responsibility directing the growth and operations of Windermere in Southern California. Appointed in 2003 to oversee development of the brand in the region, Bennion and Deville own and operate ten offices in California's Coachella Valley, and also serve as one of the Seattle area's leading real estate partnerships. Prior to joining Windermere in 1998, Bennion and Deville served with the Dover Group of Seattle.
Dennis Yates
President, Windermere Services, Nevada
Dennis Yates is responsible for overseeing the operations and growth of Windermere franchises in Nevada and Southern Utah. In addition, Dennis serves as president for Windermere Services Nevada Company, directing the day-to-day operations and providing service to the Windermere franchise owners and Windermere Prestige Properties.
